Let’s end hooliganism in football – GFA Prez urges

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has made a passionate plea for the football community to do their utmost to eliminate hooliganism from Ghana Football and protect the game’s image.

Speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ session held in Sunyani on Friday, the GFA president emphasised that no circumstance justifies violence – particularly toward referees who may make mistakes during matches.

“Under no circumstances should a referee lose his life for getting a decision wrong. Let us take hooliganism, in any form, out of our game. The product is supreme. We should hold and protect the product,” Simeon-Okraku stated.

He pointed out that even at the highest levels of football, such as the World Cup, Champions League and top European leagues, referees sometimes make errors despite having the assistance of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) technology.

Therefore, he urged fans to recognise that referees are human and may occasionally make mistakes, just like any other professional in the sport.

Hooliganism is one of the biggest challenges affecting domestic football in Ghana. Over several years, the game has been tarnished with violence across match centres – making it unattractive to people who want to support, sponsor, or show interest after witnessing first-hand violent activities.

Since the 2020/21 football season there have been various degrees of violence in Division One, the women’s league, Premier League and even some Division Two games. Venues like Sunyani Coronation Park, Wamnafo Town Park, Aliu Mahama Stadium and Nduom Sports Stadium have all been banned for a period due to violence.

How to address hooliganism

Players, coaches, club admins, referees and innocent spectators continue to be brutalised. Unfortunately, culprits are let off the hook. Hoodlums masquerading as fans have therefore been emboldened by police inaction. Dastardly incidents of violence keep rising – with a new trend of even coaches attacking referees.

The GFA has only been able to close down venues as punishment for violence without any individual punitive action to minimise the rate of hooliganism.

While the GFA president’s call to action for ending hooliganism is timely, considering that the premier league resumes soon, it is also important for the GFA’s laws on violence to be toughened as the police are neglecting their duty to ensure law and order.

Police have cited constraints in deploying adequate numbers at match venues, which may be a legitimate challenge – but what about those who were picked up only to be freed after pleas?

Enough of the interference from people with power, especially club managers and political leaders in communities where these crimes are perpetrated. Pleas for arrested hooligans to be freed should be outrightly rejected while making examples of one or two hoodlums to deter would-be offenders.

This will not cure the canker entirely, but it could contribute in reducing it to the barest minimum. The earlier plice clamp down on football-related violence, the better it will be for the game.

The GFA must find innovative ways to improve security at match venues. For instance, collaborating with clubs to select some strong youths in the club’s host communities and providing crowd control training – as well as equipping them with uniforms and resources to serve as special stewards at match centres.

The media role

President Simeon-Okraku also called on the media to uphold professionalism in their reporting, emphasising the point that emotional and sensationalised coverage can incite fans and raise tension. He urged journalists to maintain objectivity and refrain from stirring emotions that could lead to unrest among supporters.

His remarks come at a critical time as the GFA seeks to strengthen the reputation and quality of football in Ghana, ensuring that the sport remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

The GFA president’s firm stance against hooliganism and his call for unity in protecting the game is expected to resonate strongly with both fans and stakeholders as the football season approaches.

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